ABC News seeks to toss 'pink slime' lawsuit

10/31/2012 5:30 PM
By Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Lawyers for ABC News have asked a judge to toss out a $1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by a South Dakota-based meat processor.

Beef Products Inc. sued ABC News Inc. in September for defamation over its coverage of a meat product called lean, finely textured beef that critics dub "pink slime." The meat processor claims the network damaged the company by misleading consumers into believing the product is unhealthy and unsafe. It's seeking $1.2 billion in damages.

Lawyers for ABC News filed the motion to dismiss in federal court on Wednesday. The lawyers said though the term "pink slime" is unflattering, it's not false. They also say ABC News did not imply the product was unsafe.

A lawyer for Beef Products Inc. says it will oppose the motion to dismiss.